Shellac Flakes: Shellac Flakes are for professional Woodworkers, Cabinet Makers, Furniture Manufacturers and Gilders (Wax and Resin Free). They are the ideal sealant and high gloss varnish for Genuine and Imitation metal leaf. Once the leaf is gilded, shellac is applied both as protection for the leaf and for color toning (can be applied with an airbrush). The shellac flakes should be dissolved in ethanol or denatured alcohol.